A landscape-led approach to planning reform

Cherry Hinton North Design Code, winner of the ‘Excellence in Landscape Planning and Assessment’ award at the LI Awards 2023. The code was co-created by McGregor Coxall and Pollard Thomas Edwards, and emphasises the interconnectedness of movement, social connectivity, public space and nature. © McGregor Coxall

Drawing on the Landscape Institute’s response to the government’s proposed planning reforms, Policy & Communications Committee Chair, Ian Phillips CMLI outlines the key principles for landscape-led planning.

The UK’s evolving planning system holds great potential to lead the way in sustainable development. However, ensuring that growth aligns with environmental priorities will require careful consideration of landscape, green infrastructure, and cross-boundary coordination.

The government’s review of the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) and wider planning system, which opened for consultation in September 2024, highlights these tensions. With a target of building 1.5 million new homes, as well as new infrastructure in health, transport and energy, the challenge facing policymakers is to ensure that ambitious proposals for development and growth are aligned with those in climate resilience, nature restoration, and public health.

In its consultation response to ‘Proposed reforms to the National Planning Policy Framework and other changes to the planning system’, the Landscape Institute offered a set of recommendations to the government which would help to ensure that any reforms make the most of this vital opportunity.

Prioritising landscape in planning Integrating landscape into planning enriches the built environment and adds value, providing both functionality and natural assets to complement buildings. A landscape-led approach fosters cohesive and sustainable communities, ensuring that development aligns harmoniously with rural and urban settings, thus improving quality of life.

Emphasising green infrastructure

Green infrastructure (GI) is a multifunctional land-use approach that enhances public health, climate resilience, biodiversity and social equity. Local authorities should adopt a clear GI strategy in their planning policies to provide ecosystem services benefits like flood mitigation, cleaner air and habitat conservation. Prioritising GI contributes to sustainable development that respects and supports the value of natural ecosystems.

Promoting a systems approach to regional planning

A resilient planning system should work regionally, acknowledging natural, rather than political, boundaries. This systems approach encourages cross-boundary collaboration on water management, nature recovery, and green infrastructure. Such regional strategies lead to cohesive landscapes that support Nature Recovery Networks, reduce flooding risks and promote more sustainable land use.

Recognising the potential of greenbelt land

Greenbelt land, historically designated to prevent urban sprawl and coalescence, holds untapped potential for ecosystem services. Strategic planning allocations for development in greenbelt must incorporate making best use of the associated land to enhance the environment, improve water management and support climate resilience and biodiversity. Good landscape planning and design can ensure that these areas are valued as assets that strengthen local ecosystems, while retaining their key planning purpose.

Upholding Environmental Assessments

Strategic Environmental Assessments (SEAs) and Environmental Impact Assessments (EIAs) provide critical insights into potential environmental impacts early in the planning process. These assessments help avoid unforeseen environmental damage, supporting sustainable planning by ensuring all projects are evaluated for their environmental effects from the outset. The Institute’s publication, Guidelines for Landscape and Visual Impact Assessment, is a vital tool in carrying out such assessments.

Ensuring quality and affordability in housing

All housing needs to be sustainable, resilient and hospitable. Local authorities should implement design guides that prioritise quality, climate resilience, affordability and the importance of good landscape provision in place-making. Good design using sustainable building materials, attention to life-cycle costs and durability in construction will improve user experiences while reducing environmental impacts and making homes fit for living.

Leveraging landscape design to combat climate change

Climate resilience can be achieved through thoughtful landscape design. By optimising siting, layout, topography, orientation and microclimate, developers can enhance energy efficiency and environmental adaptability. This approach makes urban spaces more resilient to climate extremes and creates aesthetically pleasing, comfortable areas for residents.

Allocating and expanding space for nature

To combat biodiversity loss, local plans should formally designate sites for nature conservation and recovery and seek funding contributions from development. Such sites can contribute to Nature Recovery Networks and link green infrastructure across landscapes, creating biodiversity-supporting corridors. Incorporating natural areas into urban planning benefits ecosystems while enhancing residents’ physical and mental well-being.

The Landscape Institute’s recommendations offer a path towards resilient and thoughtful planning that respects the natural environment while addressing housing and development needs. Landscape professionals can spearhead this vision by promoting sustainable, effective and aesthetically pleasing outcomes in both urban and rural development, shaping communities that are ready for the challenges we face.

Ian Phillips CMLI is Chair of the LI Policy & Communications Committee and has over 35 years’ experience in local government, private and NGO sector landscape planning.

To collaborate or contribute to LI policy development, get in touch with LI Policy & Public Affairs Manager, Andrew Rylah, at policy@landscapeinstitute.org